This is part of a larger series; I’d recommend that everyone read the overview first.
The Vivitar filter is different than the other filters I’ve reviewed, as it was a part of a 4-part kit. The other parts of the kit were a neutral density(ND4) filter and a polarized filter. I’m not going to review them, but they do work. It also comes with a lens cap. I”m definitely not going to review a lens cap. If I start reviewing lens caps, I’ve lost all interest in life.
So I’m just reviewing the UV filter. It gets reviewed by the same seven criteria as the other reviewed filters:
1- How is the packaging design(0% of total score)?
2: How is the protective case size & durability(5% of total score)?
3- Do the reflections off the glass look off-colour(5% of the total score)?
4- Does it block UV light for my full-spectrum camera(35% of total score)?
5: Does it block any light for my full spectrum camera(10% of total score)?
6: does it block any UV fluorescence from a black light(35% of total score)?
7: How reasonable is the price(10% of the total score)?
1- Packaging: 2 out of 5. The package was just this case wrapped in clear plastic with a sticker on it. I lost the sticker, so I’m posting a photo of a fairly dull looking case.
2- The protective case: 2 out of 5.
The case is enough to protect the filter from a drop, but won’t stop dust from getting into the lens. It isn’t a hard shell, so also wouldn’t protect the filters from any pressure or force applied to them. Long-term, I don’t know if sliding the filter in and out of the pockets might scratch it- if sand and dust gets stuck in the fabric, it probably would. It does fit all four items in it, but why would I have a spare lens-cap in a package that U’m opening and closing regularly. If I were to use the case, I’d probably swap it out with another filter that I use regularly. That’s all academic, as I have no plans on using this case. If I take it on trips, I usually leave it in the vehicle, and grab whichever filter I need.
3- off-colour reflections: 0 out of 5.
4- Blocking UV light as seen through the camera: 0 out of 5.
I didn’t really have high hopes for the filter(I’d lost any hope I once had about the time I reviewed the Hoya filter), but the other two filters were what they claimed to be. The Polarized filter was polarized, and the Neutral Density filter was darker. Could it tell the truth a third time? No! Of course not! It shows nothing through the short band pass filter:
And also nothing through the ‘UV only’ combination of the Schott BG40 and UG11 filters.
5- Blocking other wavelengths: 0 out of 5.
Clear in both the visible…
… and the near infrared spectra.
6- Blocking UV Florescence: 0 out of 5.
At this part of the review I usually am saying the same thing every time. Repeat along with me: “If you look close, It might block a bit of light, but even regular glass blocks some UV light”.
Except…
Except I couldn’t see it blocking anything, even with my naked eye. I assume it is a cheaper or thinner glass than the other filters. It might be about on par with the JYC filter, but not much ahead of it.
7- Price: umm… out of 5.
I seriously don’t know how to answer that questio. I paid $25 CDN for the set; I didn’t buy an individual UV filter. In addition to the UV filter, I the a neutral density filter, a polarized filter, and a lens cap that tethers to the camera. All three items work okay. But should I include them? Should I judge how worthwhile the kit is as a whole, or just the UV filter. As there were 4 items, does that mean the UV filter cost $6.25?
For the kit as a whole, I’ll say it gets a 4 out of 5. None of the filters are amazing, but the other two do work properly. Extra lens caps are always useful too.
For the UV filter? It doesn’t work, and isn’t worth the money even at $6.25. However, it is cheaper than most of the other worthless filters out there. 2 out of 5.
I’m going to average the two. 3 out of 5.
Conclusion:
Eight Percent. We’re into single digits!
If you’re buying the kit, this might be worth it, but I’m not reviewing the kit. If you’re thinking of buying the UV filter alone, it isn’t worth it, even at $6.25. If you’re thinking of buying the kit, but solely for the UV filter, you have more money than sense, and probably don’t know enough about your camera to understand what the other filters do.
Parallel Views 